The Royal Thai Navy has begun laying plans for a 2017 boat show featuring naval vessels from Thailand’s Southeast Asian neighbors.
Adm. Poldej Chareonpool, a special advisor to the Sattahip Naval Base, met Dec. 8 with former culture minister Sonthaya Kunplome and Pattaya Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh to discuss plans to host the International Navy Fleet Show in Pattaya Bay in November or December 2017.
Similar shows in Australia and Indonesia would serve as the template.
Adm. Poldej said all 10 member countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations would be invited to attend.
The show also could feature public ship visits, marching band parades and musical performances.
The intent is to create a grand celebration of HM the King’s 90th birthday that year on Dec. 5.
Pattaya was suggested to host the show as it is a major tourist destination, has facilities to accommodate massive numbers of visitors, has a wide open bay, and has many other attractions that will satisfy the desires of tourists.
Sonthaya agreed with the idea and the two officials would bring it up for further consideration and planning.
